Harrington blows chance as Tiger takes advantage
IRELAND’S Padraig Harrington squandered his chance of glory at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio with a triple bogey eight at the 16th hole.
Harrington led Tiger Woods by one shot with three to play, but found the water and was duly punished by the world No1, who birdied after hitting the green with a sublime eight-iron.
Woods wrapped up a second successive round of 65 to finish on 12 under par and land his seventh Bridgestone title – a timely boost ahead of this week’s US PGA Championship – by four shots.
Current US PGA champion Harrington had to settle for a share of second place with Australia’s Robert Allenby, who carded a closing 66.
The three-time major winner had begun the day three shots clear but saw his lead become a two-shot deficit over the front nine, as Tiger went out in a five-under 30.
The momentum changed on the back nine, with Harrington holing his first birdie of the day at 11 and Woods slumping to successive bogeys at 13 and 14.
But his capitulation at the 16th ended Harrington’s hopes of a maiden title of what has been a disappointing 2009 season.